May 15, 2024 — After two years with the Wallace Center, our colleague Melony Edwards is moving on to pursue her dream of attending graduate school. Melony is one of a handful of community leaders across the nation to be accepted into the National Urban Fellows Program, a competitive, 14-month leadership accelerator. In partnership with Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, the fellowship hones the leadership skills of mid-career professionals like Melony. The fellowship prioritizes professionals committed to equity, public service, and social impact, culminating in a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University. Before she moved on, Melony spent some time with us to share her proudest moments on the job, people who inspire her and her aspirations for the future.
When you think about your work at the Wallace Center with the Food Systems Leadership team, what are you proudest of?
There are so many one things I’m proud of! One project I loved is organizing the in-person gathering of the Learning Lab in Phoenix in October 2023. There were so many logistics I had a hand in managing–from location research, to coordinating sessions. I really felt I stepped into my leadership role with this and I showed myself that I could do this! And of course, connecting with and keeping in touch with Learning Lab participants is an added bonus.
What are your hopes for the Food Systems Leadership Network (FSLN)?
I look forward to seeing how the FSLN grows and evolves. This network has meant a lot to me and I want to see it continue on!
Who inspires you?
I’ve met so many people through this work who inspire me! Top of mind is Karen Washington. She and I met when I was working as a farmer, prior to me joining the Wallace Center. But knowing she was an FSLN member blew me away.
The Farm to Food Assistance (F2FA) community of practice has been really amazing and inspiring as we navigate this complex body of work. I’ve been so happy to have been a part of the community (and plan on popping into calls when I move).
Alison Cohen is so thoughtful about this work and the way she tells the story around farm to food assistance is brilliant!
Anything else to add?
I’m so grateful to be a part of this network, to be welcomed in, and supported in the ways I have been. I hope we can keep in touch!
